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During Act One Scene Three, we are presented with the growing attraction between the young Hamlet, and Polonius’ daughter, Ophelia. However, we learn of this attraction solely through the blunt advice that both Polonius and Ophelia’s brother, Laertes, give heavily. Unfortunately for Ophelia, this advice portrays the young Prince in a negative manner, and possibly deters her from him altogether. Laertes advises Ophelia to treat Hamlet’s love as a “trifling of his favour,” …

…Ophelia may still have strong feelings for Hamlet, yet she has made the irreversible decision of suppressing them for her father’s sake. Effectively, Ophelia has been told to stay away from the young, reputable Hamlet, and she has chosen her family over her heart. As a consequence, this change of events may cause a variety of tragic grievances as the play continues to develop, and as Hamlet and Ophelia’s relationship continues to diminish.